Aurat March Reviewed: A Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis of Selected Pakistani Feminist Blogs

Abstract

The current study uses FCDA to examine Pakistani online feminist blogs that debate the Aurat March Movement (2018-2023). The research uses purposive sampling and thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to investigate power dynamics, gender inequality and discrimination by employing Lazar's FCDA model (2005, 2007). The analysis suggests that Aurat March highlighted critical gender concerns in Pakistan. Bloggers highlighted ongoing gender inequities in a variety of contexts, including workplace harassment, bodily autonomy, child abuse, transgender rights, health, salary discrimination, politics, education, and injustice. Since, these blog writers harmonize with the sentiments expressed in the Aurat March (2018-2023) movement, they recognize the pervasive and ingrained nature of gender discrimination faced by women and marginalized communities in Pakistan, therefore they advocate for changes that challenge existing oppressive structures and traditional ideologies, striving for a society that embodies principles of equality, justice and freedom for all. Their call for transformative societal shifts seeks to create a more equitable and fairer world that values the autonomy and rights of every individual.

Key Words: Aurat March Movement, Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA), Online feminist blogs, Pakistani bloggers.